Search Results (240)

The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, in southeastern Mexico, is a major conservation area known for its tropical forests, emblematic wildlife species, and long history of Maya occupation. Established in 1989 as a federal Natural Protected Area, it was incorporated into UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program in 1993 and designated a mixed World Heritage Site in 2014. Its socioecological trajectory is distinctive: conservation efforts advanced alongside the contemporary rural settlement resulting from agrarian reform and subsequent development and welfare policies. This article examines the persistent imbalance between ecological conservation and socioeconomic development surrounding the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, focusing on water vulnerability in adjacent communities. The study integrates environmental history with household-level survey data on water access and vulnerability among 200 households in eight communities in the Biosphere Reserve’s transition zone, complemented by interviews with key water-management stakeholders. We document the consolidation of conservation through management plans, advisory councils, payments for ecosystem services, scientific research, and expanding voluntary conservation areas. Yet these advances contrast sharply with everyday socioeconomic realities: 68% of households face prolonged water scarcity, with an average of more than 30 days annually without water. Calakmul’s case highlights structural mismatch between conservation and local human well-being in Natural Protected Areas contexts. Full article

This study examines the impacts of climate change on agriculture in the Prefecture of Imathia and highlights the role of agricultural advisory services. The study evaluates existing adaptation measures and demonstrates the importance of agricultural advisory services. The methodology is based on a combined approach. A literature review was conducted, followed by the primary collection of data through structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 78 farmers in Imathia Prefecture. It was found that producers with access to advisory services more readily adopt innovative services and sustainable practices, thus contributing to reducing the impacts of climate change on their productivity. Full article

The Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and disseminating knowledge within the agricultural sector. This paper proposes a framework for strengthening AKIS in Greece. The study adopts a multi-actor approach, incorporating perspectives from farmers, researchers, policymakers, advisory services, and other relevant stakeholders. A structured questionnaire, administered online from December 2022 to March 2023, gathered responses from 61 senior managers across AKIS actors. By exploring their perceptions and opinions, this study aims to identify challenges and opportunities for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of AKIS in Greece. The findings contribute to policy dialogue and offer strategic directions for reinforcing collaborative innovation in the agricultural sector. Full article

The rising deployment of artificial intelligence in public services is constrained by computational costs and limited domain-specific data, particularly in multilingual contexts. This study proposes a generalizable Agentic AI pipeline for developing question–answer chatbot systems using small language models (SLMs), demonstrated through a case study on the Thai Student Loan Fund (TSLF). The pipeline integrates four stages: OCR-based document digitization using Typhoon2-3B, agentic question–answer dataset construction via a clean–check–plan–generate (CCPG) workflow, parameter-efficient fine-tuning with QLoRA on Typhoon2-1B and Typhoon2-3B models, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for source-grounded responses. Evaluation using BERTScore and CondBERT confirmed high semantic consistency (F_BERT = 0.9807) and stylistic reliability (F_BERT = 0.9839) of the generated QA corpus. Fine-tuning improved the 1B model’s domain alignment (F_BERT: 0.8593 → 0.8641), while RAG integration further enhanced factual grounding (F_BERT = 0.8707) and citation transparency. Cross-validation with GPT-5 and Gemini 2.5 Pro demonstrated dataset transferability and reliability. The results establish that Agentic AI combined with SLMs offers a cost-effective, interpretable, and scalable framework for automating bilingual advisory services in resource-constrained government and educational institutions. Full article

Background: Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) has proven effective in promoting health research in hard-to-recruit and underserved populations. Tai Chi Prime is a National Council on Aging-certified fall prevention program. However, it has not been widely disseminated in African American (AA)/Black and Latinx communities. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), this study examined the process of working with a community advisory board (CAB) to adapt and disseminate Tai Chi Prime within these communities, as well as facilitators and barriers to CAB success. Methods: Eight CAB members met with researchers monthly virtually over a two-year period. Meetings focused on reviewing Tai Chi Prime materials, discussing cultural adaptations, and identifying dissemination strategies relevant to AA/Black and Latinx communities. Detailed notes from 24 meetings were compiled. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five CAB members and two researchers to capture individual reflections on their experiences, roles, and perceived impact. Data was analyzed using directed content analysis. Results: CFIR constructs helped illuminate how CAB members’ embedded community expertise, organizational partnerships, available resources, shared vision and transparent communication influenced the cultural adaptation and dissemination of Tai Chi Prime. Study findings also highlight important areas that extend beyond CFIR, particularly the cultural knowledge and power-sharing responsibilities undertaken by CAB members as co-researchers. These insights underscore the need to integrate equity-focused and community-engaged research principles into implementation frameworks when working with communities of color. Conclusions: Findings highlight the value of leveraging existing academic–community partnerships. Community-engaged researchers can use the lessons learned from this CAB to build a replicable model of sustainable partnerships with their AA/Black and Latinx community partners, as can others involved in health services research and policy. Full article

The rapid digital transformation of the financial sector has driven supervisory authorities to develop new tools for engaging with fintech innovation. Among these, Innovation Hubs have become essential mechanisms for improving regulatory dialogue, interpretive clarity, and institutional learning. This article examines the Romanian Fintech Innovation Hub (FIH), launched by the National Bank of Romania (NBR) as a consultative platform to support fintech and payment service providers operating within complex legal environments. Using a qualitative, single-case methodology (2019–2023), the study draws on internal NBR documentation, anonymized supervisory materials, and interviews with fintech founders, oversight officers, and policy specialists. The analysis evaluates the Hub’s performance across five key dimensions: stakeholder engagement, regulatory learning, policy calibration, innovation barriers, and institutional reflexivity. Findings reveal that while the Hub strengthened supervisory understanding and enhanced trust-based interaction, its influence on rulemaking and market access was limited by structural and procedural constraints, including resource gaps and the absence of a regulatory sandbox function. Nonetheless, the Romanian experience demonstrates how institutional learning can emerge even in bank-dominated markets, generating internal adaptation and improving fintech compliance readiness. Comparative insights from Hungary and Italy highlight the advantages of modular, risk-proportionate engagement models that integrate advisory and testing functions. The study contributes to the theory of adaptive regulation by proposing that innovation hubs function as feedback loop mechanisms linking market experimentation with supervisory evolution, offering a replicable model for small and emerging financial systems seeking to balance innovation facilitation with prudential soundness and legal certainty. As such, it provides generalizable insights for central banks and government policymakers on developing FinTech hubs that balance innovation facilitation with prudential soundness and legal certainty. Full article

Vessel Traffic Service systems play a critical role in maritime safety by providing timely advisories to vessels in congested waterways. However, the optimal timing for VTS operator interventions has remained largely unstudied, relying primarily on subjective operator experience rather than empirical evidence. This study presents the first large-scale empirical analysis of VTS operator intervention timing using automated speech recognition technology applied to actual maritime communication data. VHF radio communications were collected from five major VTS centers in Korea over nine months, comprising 171,175 communication files with a total duration of 334.2 h. The recorded communications were transcribed using the Whisper speech-to-text model and processed through natural language processing techniques to extract encounter situations and advisory distances. A tokenization and keyword framework was developed to handle Maritime English and local-language communications, normalize textual numerical expressions, and facilitate cross-site analysis. Results reveal that VTS operator intervention timing varies by encounter type. In head-on and crossing encounters, advisories are provided at distances, with mean values of 3.1 nm and 2.8 nm, respectively. These quantitative benchmarks provide an empirical foundation for developing standardized VTS operational guidelines and decision support systems, ultimately enhancing maritime safety and operational consistency across jurisdictions. Full article

Background: Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) are at heightened risk of delayed or missed vaccinations because of clinical complexity and provider uncertainty. Although China has issued expert consensus guidelines and established immunization advisory services, little is known about vaccination decision-making within routine district-level immunization services. This study examined vaccination recommendation patterns and factors associated with deferral or non-recommendation among CSHCN in these settings. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 April 2023, and 31 March 2024, in Changshou District, Chongqing, China, encompassing 18 primary health centers, five general hospitals and one special hospital. Children aged 0–18 years identified by physicians as having conditions potentially affecting vaccination decisions and with at least one documented vaccination-related consultation were included. Clinical characteristics and physician recommendations (“recommended,” “temporarily deferred,” “not recommended”) were recorded via the national Epidemiological Dynamic Data Collection (EDDC) system; subsequent vaccination uptake was verified using the Chongqing Immunization Information Management System. Logistic regression identified factors associated with deferral or non-recommendation. Results: A total of 761 participants were included in the analysis, with a median age of 12 months (IQR: 1–47). Among all vaccine-specific recommendations, 55.2% were classified as “recommended,” 43.4% as “temporarily deferred,” and 1.5% as “not recommended”. Deferral proportions varied markedly, highest in respiratory (73.6%) and immunologic (42.1%) conditions and lowest in neonatal disorders (4.0%). Compared with 0–6-month-olds, children aged 7–12 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.26, 95% CI 2.30–12.33) and >13 months (aOR = 13.48, 95% CI 6.69–28.34) were more likely to receive deferral or non-recommendation; multimorbidity also increased odds (aOR = 20.68, 95% CI 11.26–40.10). Consultations at primary health centers were associated with a lower likelihood of deferral or non-recommendation (aOR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.15–0.45). Conclusion: Vaccination recommendations for CSHCN vary considerably across clinical profiles and facility types in routine immunization settings. Despite national initiatives, many vaccine doses remain deferred or not recommended. Disease-specific guidelines, enhanced provider training, and context-adapted decision-support tools are needed to promote timely and equitable immunization for this medically vulnerable population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) has the highest incidence and mortality rates among men in Puerto Rico. However, screening and early detection programs remain limited and fragmented. This study presents the design and implementation of a community-based educational program to increase PCa screening and knowledge in three southeastern rural communities with high African ancestry and elevated PCa mortality. Methods: Conducted between 2021 and 2025, this mixed-method study followed Community Engagement principles and was guided by the Intervention Mapping framework. A Community Advisory Committee informed each step of the intervention, which included PSA and digital rectal examination (DRE) testing via a mobile clinic staffed by urologists. Pre- and post-tests measured knowledge gains and willingness to screen, while satisfaction surveys evaluated the program’s impact. Results: After the intervention, knowledge scores increased significantly (t = −5.5, p < 0.001), and 76% of participants reported greater confidence in making health decisions. In total, 95 men accessed screening services through a mobile clinic, 33 were referred for follow-up, and 4 PCa cases were detected. Conclusions: Combining culturally tailored education with accessible screening helped overcome sociocultural and structural barriers, showing promise for reducing PCa disparities in underserved Puerto Rican populations. Full article

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people and people with disabilities in India faced disproportionate barriers to accessing vaccination services. Building on previous studies, this study explored the experiences of COVID-19 vaccine access in these two marginalized communities, using the WHO Behavioral and Social Drivers (BeSD) framework. Methods: Keeping community-based participatory methods (CBPR) at heart, we conducted a survey adapted from the BeSD COVID-19 survey tool. The survey was adapted using insights from a prior study, a literature review, stakeholder consultations, and discussions with a community leadership group (CLG) and an advisory board (AdB). Participants were recruited through transgender, gender-diverse, and disability rights networks. Data were analyzed descriptively, using percent analysis, and psychometrically, using exploratory factor analysis on polychoric correlations. Results: The adapted BeSD survey tool showed a high 0.85 (p < 0.05) internal consistency and criterion validity. Moreover, it showed a high willingness to be vaccinated (for ease of access to other services and community responsibility); however, systemic barriers hindered vaccination access. TGD people and people with disabilities faced multiple barriers in being vaccinated. The TGD community reported documentation mismatches and mistrust in health systems. People with disabilities reported mobility challenges, escort dependence, financial challenges, and variable accessibility at vaccination sites. Both groups faced digital exclusion, received inadequate information that did not address their specific needs, and experienced inconsistent implementation of inclusive policies. Community-led facilitation led to more uptake. Conclusions: Vaccine willingness alone is insufficient to ensure that vaccines reach everyone. Addressing trust deficits, infrastructural barriers, and digital exclusions requires diligent attention and commitment from the government to mitigate broader challenges faced by TGD people and people with disabilities. Full article

Honey bee health and productivity are strongly linked to management practices and biosecurity measures. We collected and analyzed 744 practice records from 191 peer-reviewed field studies published since 1995, each documenting the impact of a specific hive intervention on colony health or productivity parameters. Practices were categorized into good beekeeping practices (n = 128, 17.2%) and biosecurity measures (n = 616, 82.8%) and grouped by management or pathogen theme, geographic region, and season. Most research originated from Europe (34.6%) and North America (33.4%), with nearly all focused on Apis mellifera (99.9%). Varroa control dominated (57.0%), followed by general apiary management (17.2%) and american foulbrood (9.7%). For varroosis, “soft” acaricides such as oxalic and formic acid accounted for 58.5% of records, while “hard” synthetic products represented 21.0%. Within general apiary management, colony management was most frequent (46.9%). For american foulbrood, antibiotics (41.7%) and biotechnical methods (22.2%) were prominent. Tropilaelaps app. treatments relied mainly on “soft” acaricides (81.5%), while small hive beetle control focused on in-hive traps (55.9%). Seasonally, most interventions occurred from August to October, with AFB measures peaking in spring and early summer. The dataset highlights regional research gaps and offers a structured, expandable framework to guide future research and support evidence-based decision-making in beekeeping and advisory services. Full article

Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) have emerged as a key enabler of more efficient, safer, and environmentally sustainable road traffic by allowing vehicles and infrastructure to exchange information and coordinate behavior. To evaluate their benefits, impact assessment studies are essential. However, most existing studies focus on individual C-ITS services in isolation, overlooking how combined deployments influence outcomes. This study addresses this gap by presenting the first systematic evaluation of individual and joint deployments of Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) and Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA) under diverse conditions. A dual-model simulation framework is applied, combining controlled artificial networks with calibrated real-world corridors in Upper Austria. This allows both statistical testing and validation of plausibility in real-world contexts. Key performance indicators include travel time and CO₂ emissions, evaluated across varying lane configurations, numbers of traffic lights, demand levels, and equipment rates. The results demonstrate that C-ITS effectiveness is strongly context-dependent: while CACC generally provides larger efficiency gains, GLOSA yields consistent emission reductions, and the combined deployment offers conditional synergies but may also diminish benefits at high demand. The study contributes a guideline for selecting service configurations based on site conditions, thereby providing practical recommendations for future C-ITS rollouts. Full article

This study explores how parenting practices influence access to mental health and substance use (MHSU) care among African immigrant and refugee youth in Nova Scotia. Based on qualitative interviews and focus groups with youth aged 18–25 who had accessed or attempted to access MHSU services, this study centers youth narratives on parental roles in navigating culturally unfamiliar health systems. Data were analyzed thematically by the research team, with input from advisory committee members of African descent, using a collaborative and manual approach grounded in Afrocentric and Ubuntu principles of relationality, collective meaning-making, and respect for participant voice. Despite stigma, and acculturative stress, findings reveal that African parents often act as vigilant protectors, cultural anchors, and decisive actors in recognizing and responding to youth substance use. Participants described their parents as watchful, strict, and deeply invested in their well-being, sometimes even “saving” them by initiating care when peers or institutions failed to do so. Parental nudging, family-based intervention, and cultural values of collective responsibility were central to accessing MHSU services. This study emphasizes the need for culturally responsive and family-inclusive healthcare delivery by highlighting gaps in care systems where parental involvement was excluded or where African family dynamics that shape help-seeking and support were misunderstood. Full article

Flooding, exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and poor land-use practices, is a growing challenge for rural households in the Volta Basin. This study examines the effectiveness of flood management practices in improving household resilience in Benin and Togo. Using a mixed-methods approach, including focus group discussions, individual interviews, and structural equation modeling, we analyze three categories of flood management practices: Endogenous Knowledge-Based Practices (EKPs), Community Engagement-Based Practices (CEPs), and Agricultural Technology-Based Practices (ATPs). The results show significant contributions from CEPs to resilience and highlight the role of social cohesion and collective action. EKPs also have a positive impact, reflecting the importance of local knowledge, especially in Benin. However, the adoption of ATPs varies, with greater effectiveness observed in Togo than in Benin. Factors such as age, gender, education, and access to advisory services influence the acceptability and effectiveness of these practices. The findings highlight the need for tailored, integrative interventions that combine traditional knowledge and community participation with modern technologies to strengthen resilience in flood-prone communities. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers and development practitioners who aim to improve disaster risk reduction and climate resilience strategies in the Volta Basin. Full article

The main objective of this paper is to examine the factors influencing investor intention to adopt robo-advisory services in Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on sustainability and platform interface quality (PIQ) within a socio-technical framework. Drawing on the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Value-Based Adoption Model (VAM), and Trust theory, the research integrates constructs such as Knowledge about Robo-Advisors (KRA), PIQ, Green Perceived Value (GPV), and Perceived Trust (PT). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire targeting financially active individuals, with 387 valid responses analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that KRA significantly influences Intention to Use Robo-Advisors (IURA) both directly and indirectly, through GPV and Relative Advantage (RA), with only marginal support observed for Perceived Usefulness (PU). PIQ strongly influences perceived ease of use (PEOU) and PU, contributing to IURA, while PT significantly moderates the effects of KRA and PIQ. Multi-group analysis (MGA) further highlights heterogeneity across age, education, and investment groups, underscoring the contextual nature of adoption. The study highlights the critical role of PT, PIQ, and GPV alignment in investor decision-making when engaging with robo-advisory platforms. It offers theoretical contributions by extending traditional adoption models through the inclusion of green value and interface quality, and practical implications for FinTech developers and policymakers aiming to build inclusive, trustworthy, and environmentally aligned robo-advisory platforms. Full article